OG’s clinch thriller as Fields and Cardinals consolidate Finals credentials

Round 14 of William Buck Premier Women’s delivered another electrifying slate of contests, as sides continued to jostle for momentum heading into the business end of the season.

Old Geelong edged Beaumaris in a one-point classic, while Caulfield Grammarians proved too strong for Kew. St Kevin’s fell to Old Scotch and Fitzroy defeated Williamstown CYMS by three points.

Old Geelong and Beaumaris played out a thriller at Jack Barker Oval in which the OGs defeated the Sharks 6.4 (40) to 6.3 (39).

It was a topsy-turvy contest with the OGs dominating the first and last quarters on their way to victory. Brooke Mckay, Sophia Rothfield and Amy Halaby were the best for Old Geelong.

OG’s coach Jack Crameri reflected on the win and how tight of a contest it was against the Sharks.

“What a great game. They really brought it to us all day and each team deserved four points at the end of the day” he said.

“I was really pleased with the way we moved the footy, especially through transition and we will definitely look to take that into the coming weeks.”

Beaumaris coach Sam Calogero was upbeat despite the loss, however referenced the head start his side gave the OGs.

“It was a game where we gave Old Geelong a start early and we got into the game through addressing a few points and playing on our terms.”

The Sharks had solid performers across the board, with Piper Phelan, Michelle Podnecky and Gemma Holland the best on the day.

In an early start on Saturday morning, Caulfield Grammarians 5.8 (38) defeated Kew 3.5 (23).

The Bears took it up to the ladder leading Fields throughout the first half, with the home side heading into the main break trailing the undefeated Caulfield Grammarians by two points.

However, the Fields showed their class in the second half kicking three goals to one to claim a fifteen-point victory. Jacinta Baxter and India Lehman led the way with two goals apiece in the win.

Kew coach Emily Avery referenced the great start from her side but rued the lapses they had in the second half.

“We lapsed in the third quarter, weren’t accurate in front of goal and weren’t clean enough.”

Despite this, Avery took several positives from the loss, in what was Captain Lily Barry’s 100^th game for Kew.

“We started really well, the contest was even for three quarters and we were able to reduce the margin compared to our last meeting with Caulfield.”

Old Scotch and St Kevin’s played out a terrific contest in the 2024 grand final rematch with the Cardinals defeating St Kevin’s 6.1 (37) to 2.5 (17).

A strong second quarter was the catalyst for the 2024 premiers’ victory with a three goal to one burst heading into half time. Mia Cowan and Eloise Defina were two of the cardinals best and both kicked two majors each.

St Kevin’s coach Tom Purcell explained the thought process going into the game and the reasoning behind the defeat.

“We were hoping to be able to match Old Scotch with territory and winning contested possession but their skill level and ability to transition the football when they won clean possession was elite. “

Despite the loss, Purcell has been thrilled with the development of some of the younger members of his side.

“Our youngsters Molly Wilson and Mischa Beaconsfield continue to impress.”

Cardinals coach Dean Anderson reflected on their first ever win at Righetti Oval and what the focus will be on coming into the next month.

“I was pleased with contest and character to withstand the enormous physical pressure that St Kevin’s bring. It was great to record our first ever win at St Kevin’s but we need to keep working on our offence, specifically on how we move the ball from back half to forward half.

In another thriller in Round 14, Fitzroy travelled to face Williamstown CYMS and came out victorious 4.8 (32) to 4.5 (29).

The Roys started hot, skipping out to a nineteen-point lead at quarter time and held on for dear life in the final term when the home side propelled themselves back to within a kick, however falling short by three points.

CYs coach Xavier Smith was immensely proud of his side’s efforts despite the loss and referenced the slow start as a contributing factor.

“Obviously disappointing we weren’t able to get the win on the final siren, but couldn’t have been prouder of the effort.”

“We were really rusty after three weeks off, and got jumped in the first quarter. Fitzroy could have put us to the sword, kicking 2.7 in the first. Disappointing that we were second to the footy, skills weren’t great, missed tackles and just didn’t look like how we wanted to play.”

In contrast, Roys coach Nathan Jumeau was pleased with his sides first quarter effort but mentioned clear improvements he wants to see in coming weeks.

“I was really happy with our first quarter on the weekend; we did everything we set to do. I really want to keep improving on our attacking football. It’s getting better but still not where we would like it.”

Round 15 of William Buck Premier Women’s footy looms as a brilliant round of footy. West Brunswick come off their Round 14 bye and face Williamstown CYMS, Fitzroy travel to face Old Geelong, Beaumaris clash with Kew, Old Scotch have the bye and Caulfield Grammarians host St Kevin’s.